Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Lexington, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, while felony trials proceed to Lexington Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Lexington Criminal Court Process
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 2 South Main Street. The court serves Lexington and surrounding areas, with cases typically scheduled within 4-8 weeks from arraignment for misdemeanors.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. The magistrate sets bond conditions. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court schedules trial dates and discovery deadlines.
- Discovery and Motion Practice: Review police reports, witness statements, and evidence. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney. Consider first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, you have right to jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines under Va. Code § 18.2-11.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Disorderly Conduct (§ 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony or Class 1 Misdemeanor | 1-10 years or up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Lexington. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate for our 14 documented Lexington cases across all practice areas.
Our Lexington criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to building defense strategies, and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, who understands prosecution tactics from the inside.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Lexington Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. Our Lexington results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts for charges ranging from assault and drug possession to theft and traffic offenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients facing criminal charges at Lexington General District Court. We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Lexington Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.